A car damaged by a fallen tree can happen without warning. Heavy rain, strong winds and storms can cause branches or entire trees to fall onto parked vehicles.
The damage can range from a cracked windscreen to serious damage to the roof, bonnet and body panels.
So, what happens if a tree falls on your car? Can you make an insurance claim?
The answer depends on your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the incident.
What Causes Trees to Fall on Cars?
Several situations can increase the risk of a tree falling onto your vehicle.
Heavy rain and strong winds
Thunderstorms and strong winds can weaken trees or break large branches. In some cases, an entire tree may fall onto nearby vehicles.
Old or damaged trees
Trees that are old, diseased or structurally weak may be more likely to fall, especially during bad weather.
Parking under trees
Parking under large trees can increase your risk during storms. Even if the tree looks healthy, falling branches can still damage your car.
Poor visibility during storms
Heavy rain and strong winds can make it difficult to identify hazards when driving or looking for a parking space.
Does Car Insurance Cover a Fallen Tree?
This is where your policy coverage becomes important.
A standard comprehensive car insurance policy generally covers damage to your own vehicle caused by accidents, fire and theft. However, natural disaster-related damage can be excluded unless you have the relevant additional coverage.
Special Perils is an optional extension that can provide protection against certain natural disasters such as floods, storms and landslides.
PIAM states that standard motor insurance does not generally cover damage from natural disasters such as floods, landslides or fallen trees caused by convulsions of nature unless Special Perils is included.
For example, Allianz has specifically highlighted tree-fall damage caused by storms and tempest as a situation where Special Perils can be relevant.
However, the exact coverage depends on your insurer and policy wording.
Always check your policy schedule and Product Disclosure Sheet before assuming that a fallen-tree claim is covered.
What Is Special Perils Cover?
Special Perils is an optional add-on for eligible comprehensive motor insurance policies.
It can extend protection to certain natural disasters that are normally excluded from standard comprehensive coverage.
Depending on the policy, this may include:
- Flood
- Storm or tempest
- Landslide or landslip
- Earthquake
- Other natural events specified in the policy
For example, BJAK explains that Special Perils can cover natural disaster risks such as floods, storms and landslides, subject to the policy terms.
You can learn more about Special Perils and flood protection for your car before renewing your policy.
What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your Car?
If your car is damaged by a fallen tree, avoid moving the vehicle unless it is necessary for safety.
Instead, follow these steps.
1. Check that everyone is safe
Move yourself and your passengers away from the damaged area if there is a risk of another tree or branch falling.
2. Take photos and videos
Record the damage from different angles.
Take photos of:
- The fallen tree
- Your vehicle
- The surrounding area
- The damaged parts
- Your parking location
These photos may be useful when reporting the incident to your insurer.
3. Contact your insurer
Notify your insurer as soon as possible and ask about the appropriate claim procedure.
Do not arrange major repairs before receiving instructions from your insurer or claims representative.
4. Follow the towing instructions
If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, contact your insurer or its authorised roadside assistance service.
Avoid using an unauthorised repairer or towing service unless instructed to do so.
5. Keep supporting documents
Keep photographs, police reports where required, towing documents, repair estimates and other relevant paperwork.
Your insurer will advise you on the documents required for the claim.
How Can You Protect Your Car from Fallen Trees?
You cannot control the weather, but you can reduce the risk.
Avoid parking under large trees
During thunderstorms or strong winds, choose an open parking area where possible.
Avoid parking directly underneath large trees or branches that look weak.
Check weather conditions
If severe weather is expected, move your car to a safer location before the storm begins.
Check your insurance coverage
Do not wait until after an incident to find out what your policy covers.
Before renewing, check whether your comprehensive policy includes Special Perils.
You can also compare car insurance coverage and add-ons through BJAK.
Keep your policy documents accessible
Save your e-policy and insurer’s emergency contact details on your phone.
This can make it easier to contact your insurer when an incident happens.
Is Special Perils Worth Adding?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Consider your parking location and exposure to natural disasters.
For example, Special Perils may be worth considering if:
- You regularly park outdoors.
- You park near large trees.
- Your area experiences frequent thunderstorms.
- You live or work in a flood-prone area.
- You want additional protection against certain natural disasters.
The important thing is to compare the additional premium with the risks you are exposed to.
PIAM also recommends checking your coverage and considering Special Perils when reviewing your motor insurance, particularly because natural disaster damage can otherwise be excluded.
What If a Tree Falls on My Car in Clear Weather?
This can be more complicated.
Not every fallen-tree incident will necessarily be treated in the same way.
For example, a tree may fall because of strong winds or a storm. Another tree may fall because of its condition or another cause.
The insurer will assess the circumstances based on the policy terms and available evidence.
Therefore, do not assume that every fallen tree is automatically covered by Special Perils.
If you are unsure, contact your insurer and check the exact wording of your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does comprehensive insurance cover a car damaged by a fallen tree?
It depends on the circumstances and policy wording. Damage caused by natural events may require Special Perils coverage, particularly when the tree falls because of a storm or other covered natural event.
Does Special Perils cover fallen trees?
Special Perils can cover certain natural disaster risks, including storm or tempest-related damage, subject to the insurer’s policy terms. Check your policy schedule for the exact coverage.
What should I do if a tree falls on my parked car?
First, make sure everyone is safe. Then photograph the damage, contact your insurer and follow its instructions for towing, inspection and repairs.
Will a fallen-tree claim affect my NCD?
The effect on your NCD depends on how the claim is handled and the applicable policy terms. Ask your insurer before submitting the claim if you are concerned about your NCD.
Can I add Special Perils after my car has already been damaged?
No. Insurance add-ons are intended to provide protection before the insured event occurs. You cannot add coverage after the damage has already happened.
Protect Your Car Before the Next Storm
A fallen tree can cause serious damage in just a few seconds.
While you cannot prevent every incident, you can reduce the risk by choosing safer parking locations and checking your insurance coverage before extreme weather occurs.
Most importantly, don’t assume that a standard comprehensive policy automatically covers every type of natural disaster.
Check whether Special Perils is included and understand the exclusions before renewing.
You can compare car insurance quotes and available coverage through BJAK to review your options.
